Predictors of carnivore tolerance among census-designated and self-identified rural and urban residents in Idaho, USA

Carnivore tolerance is a common management goal in a rapidly changing American West. In recent decades, Idaho and other states with historically rural populations now contain highly urbanized areas. Given known tolerance differences among rural and urban populations, current demographic circumstances may exist for a resident to self-identify as rural but reside in a census-designate urban area. To explore differences among census-designated and self- identified residency, a stratified random sample of Idaho residents was used to predict mountain lion (Puma concolor) and gray wolf (Canis lupus) tolerance. Predictors included past experience, perceived risk, and affect. Regression analysis resulted in a statistically significant model, with perceived risk and negative emotions the main predictors of tolerance. Additional models illustrated variations among objective and subjective indicators of residency. Findings suggest census-designated and self-identified residency may be a consideration to effectively diagnose and manage human- carnivore interactions in states experiencing shifting rural-urban demographics.